The blog category is expanding to include “General Sight Singing” and “Song-Along Song” posts.
What are shape notes? They are a special vocal notation that works with solfege to make sight singing easier. Specifically, we will use the seven-note shape note system. We will also explore Kodaly rhythmic syllables in the Shape Notes and Solfege posts.
Solfege remains one of the oldest and most reliable strategies that singing teachers have. Shape notes are newer, but still have been around since the 18th century. However, solfege is at the core of the shape note system, and the two work together for effective, statistically proven sight singing success.
This category includes posts on melodic intonation. Like the Singing in Tune Blog Category, the Shape Notes and Solfege Blog Category has sing-along songs.
In both cases, the sing-along sound tracks create sound models to train the ear. Singing in Tune deals with harmonic intonation while this blog category deals with melodic intonation.
The sing-along songs use synthetic voices rather than actual voices. Research has shown that this will help with the ability to identify and produce absolute pitch information. For more information, read Why Use a Synth Voice Instead of Real Voices.
Harmonic and melodic intonation tune in essentially different ways. Harmonic tuning focuses on the tone color of the harmonies. Conversely, melodic tuning focuses on the distance between melody notes.
The Cornerstone Category article:
More Shape Note Posts:
Sight Singing with Rhythmic Syllables:
Sight Reading Posts:
Sing-Along Song Posts:
The previous topic lists will be updated periodically. See the post grid below for the full list and full descriptions with featured images.
– Geoffrey Keith
© 2022 Geoffrey Keith
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“What’s the key difference between soprano and mezzo?” Though superficially these two voice types seem very similar. You only need to take a closer look to notice the key differences between singers like Celine Dion and Taylor Swift. Keep reading to learn how this affects singers like you. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
What’s the Key Difference Between Soprano and Mezzo Soprano? Read More »
Are you looking for the popular “Old Lang Syne” song? In this post, you’ll get the essentials: 1) a video of the song, 2) the lyrics, and 3) sheet music with easy-to-read shape notes and a sing along soundtrack. In addition, if you’re asking, “What in the world does the title ‘Old Land Syne’ mean?” I’ll answer that question as well. Keep reading “Hail the New Year with the Popular Old Lang Syne Song” to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Hail the New Year with the Popular Old Lang Syne Song Read More »
“I’m confused about these stupid vocal ranges.” It’s critical for singers and composers alike to be familiar with singer classifications. I can help. Keep reading to learn more – including vocal range charts. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
I’m Confused About These Stupid Vocal Ranges Read More »
Do you want to sing the lyrics to “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel?” In this post, you’ll get the essentials: 1) the complete lyrics, 2) a video, and 3) an easy-to-read shape note score with a sing along song track. Keep reading “Celebrate Christmas with O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!” to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Celebrate Christmas with O Come, O Come, Emmanuel! Read More »
“What’s the basic difference between falsetto and chest voice?” Head, chest, and falsetto all have very different tone qualities. It’s important for singers to be able to master singing with all three vocal tones. Keep reading to learn more. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
What’s The Basic Difference Between Falsetto and Chest Voice? Read More »
![Angels We Have Heard on High - A Powerful Carol of Joy [Words] - Christmas Bear Playing Piano](https://successmusicstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Angels-We-Have-Heard-on-High-A-Powerful-Carol-of-Joy-Words-Christmas-Bear-Playing-Piano-1024x818.jpg)
Do you want to learn to sing “Angels We Have Heard on High?” In this article, you’ll get the essentials: 1) a video of the song “Angels We Have Heard on High,” 2) the “Angels We Have Heard on High” words, and 3) an easy-to-read shape note score with a sing along song track. Keep reading to celebrate with Christmas music! Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Angels We Have Heard on High: A Powerful Carol of Joy [Words] Read More »
![Is Just Intonation Impractical - Tuning Fork - Perfect Pitch: Discover the Truth [Plus Absolute Pitch Test] - What Does Intonation Mean and Why Is It Essential in Music](https://successmusicstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Is-Just-Intonation-Impractical-Tuning-Fork-1024x1024.jpg)
Do you have perfect pitch or wish you did? Why do certain musicians have this astonishing talent, and others don’t? And is perfect pitch singing really a musical superpower? Keep reading “Perfect Pitch: Discover the Truth [Plus Absolute Pitch Test]” to learn the secret that nobody talks about. Estimated reading time 5 minutes.
Perfect Pitch: Discover the Truth [Plus Absolute Pitch Test] Read More »
Do you want to know the words to Joy to the World? Would you like to learn how to sing or play it? In this post, you’ll get the essentials: 1) all the words to the song, 2) two videos (one for the song itself and one for easy piano), and 3) easy-to-read shape note sheet music with a sing along song track. Keep reading Joy to the World – A Heavenly Song of Celebration to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Joy to the World – A Heavenly Song of Celebration Read More »
Do you want to sing Deck the Halls? In this post, you’ll get the essentials: 1) a video of Deck the Halls, 2) the full lyrics, and 3) easy-to-read shape note sheet music with a sing along song track. Keep reading “Deck the Halls – A Jubilant Christmas Carol” to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Deck the Halls – A Jubilant Christmas Carol Read More »
Do you want to know the words to the spectacular US Star Spangled Banner? Would you like to learn how to sing or play it? In this post, you’ll get the essentials: 1) all four verses for The Star Spangled Banner song lyrics, 2) a video of Whitney Houston’s version of the song, and 3) easy-to-read shape note sheet music with a sing along song track. Keep reading to learn the American national anthem lyrics and music. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
The Spectacular US Star Spangled Banner [Lyrics, Song, & Video] Read More »